AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy and Defence: South Korean National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik met Croatia’s president, prime minister and parliament speaker in Zagreb to strengthen energy and defence ties. The talks follow a $477 million deal for 18 Chunmoo rocket systems. Tourism: Croatia recorded 20.1 million arrivals and 104.9 million overnight stays through September, up 2% and 1% respectively year on year. Foreign visitor revenue rose nearly 5% in the first half. Economy: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković says Croatia’s economy is on course to exceed €100 billion for the first time. A €677 million contract to double-track a key freight corridor is also planned. Prisons: A human rights group says overcrowding is driving poor conditions; the system was 126% full at the end of 2025, with Osijek prison at more than double capacity. Culture: Goran Bare, frontman of rock band Majke and a defining figure in Croatian music, has died aged 61.

Culture: Croatian rock musician Goran Bare, frontman of the band Majke, has died aged 61. Economy: Croatia’s nominal GDP is forecast to top €100 billion for the first time in 2026, with growth projected at 2.3% to 2.4%. Tourism: The country recorded 20.1 million arrivals and 104.9 million overnight stays in the first nine months, both up on last year. Transport: A cancelled procurement for key digital services has raised doubts over whether Croatia’s new toll system can launch as planned in March 2027. Separately, a €12.34 million air traffic control centre near Zadar Airport is moving toward construction. Business ties: Croatia and the United States could resolve their long-standing double-taxation issue by year-end, if the US Senate ratifies the 2022 agreement. Environment and health: EU experts have recommended classifying TFA, a persistent chemical found in blood samples from Croatian participants, as toxic to reproduction; the recommendation is not yet legally binding.

Economy: Croatia’s GDP is expected to pass €100 billion for the first time in 2026, with growth forecast at 2.3–2.4%. Inflation remains a concern: consumer prices rose 4.7% year-on-year in September, while producer prices jumped 8.6%, driven partly by higher energy costs. MED9 Summit: European leaders gathered in Split for talks on energy, security, migration and climate change. French President Emmanuel Macron toured Diocletian’s Palace during the visit. Transport: Croatia signed a €677 million contract to double-track 83 kilometres of railway between Dugo Selo and Novska, with construction expected to start in 2027. Meanwhile, a cancelled tender for the new electronic motorway toll system adds another delay. Football: Croatia opened the scoring against Spain in Split but lost 2–1 after a comeback by the visitors.

Economy: Croatia’s GDP is forecast to top €100 billion for the first time this year, with growth of 2.3–2.4%. But producer-price inflation climbed to 8.6% in September, while consumer inflation stood at 4.7%. MED9 Summit: European leaders gathered in Split to discuss Mediterranean security, migration, energy and climate, with French President Emmanuel Macron touring the city’s historic centre. Transport: Croatia signed a €677 million contract to double-track the Dugo Selo–Novska railway, with construction expected to start in 2027. A separate setback hit the new motorway toll system after the infrastructure tender was cancelled. Adriatic: Sardine stocks have fallen so sharply that Croatia has cut fishing days and is weighing a temporary ban or tighter quotas. Tourism: The season was rated successful, though last-minute bookings are becoming the norm as travellers watch prices more closely. Croatia’s Zagreb–Madrid flights will also run during parts of the winter for the first time. Football: Croatia lost 2–1 to Spain in Split, days after its 7–0 defeat to England.

Vaccine Safety: Croatia has suspended the distribution and use of a Bulgarian-made BCG vaccine while suspected reactions in four children are investigated. Bulgaria says two reports recorded doses ten times the prescribed amount, but the reports do not establish a vaccine quality problem. Bosnia and Herzegovina has also paused distribution as a precaution. MED9 Summit: Leaders meeting in Split called for renewed talks on Cyprus and “mutually beneficial” relations with Turkey, while Croatia hosted Mediterranean partners including Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein. Zagreb Transit: ZET has started refunding monthly and annual pass holders for last week’s strike shutdown; claims must be filed at sales points by the end of November. Football: Spain beat Croatia 2-1 in Split. Dani Olmo, who came through Dinamo Zagreb, also confirmed he has donated 2% of his annual salary to a Vukovar charity supporting families.

Public Health: Bulgaria says two Croatian reports of suspected reactions to a BCG vaccine recorded doses ten times the prescribed amount; the cases remain under investigation, and no vaccine-quality problem has been established. Zagreb: ZET has begun processing proportional refunds for monthly and annual pass holders affected by last week’s strike; claims are due by the end of November. Residents are also reporting a strong odour as air monitors show elevated fine-particle levels, with the source still unknown. Football: Croatia lost 2-1 to Spain in Split after Ivan Perišić was sent off and Mikel Merino scored late. MED9 Summit: European leaders met in Split, where Croatia is hosting the gathering and promoting regional cooperation. Sport and Business: President Zoran Milanović honoured heavyweight champion Filip Hrgović, while Croatian-founded Sofascore signed a multi-year global partnership with the NHL. Rural Housing: A new €1 million scheme will help young families buy, build or renovate homes in smaller municipalities.

Croatia-Spain Nations League: After a brutal 7-0 loss to England, Croatia responded at Poljud with Ivan Perišić scoring early, but Spain struck back and won 2-1 late on Mikel Merino. Croatia Waste Cleanup: Work has started to remove about 650 tonnes of non-hazardous waste from the former PPK Velebit site in Gospic, sending it to cement plants in Istria and Slavonia as alternative fuel, tied to a wider USKOK probe. Bosnia Politics: New projections after Bosnia’s general election point to SDA leading in the House of Representatives, with SNSD next, while turnout and ethnic divisions keep EU progress uncertain. MED9 Diplomacy: Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković met Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein on the sidelines of the MED9 summit in Split, focusing on cooperation and investment links. Local Mobility Safety: Croatia is considering tighter rules for electric scooters, including registration, insurance, and inspections, after recent accidents involving minors. Culture & Sport Beyond Football: Croatia Airlines extended its role as official airline of the national team, and Zagreb Film Festival announced major international names for November.

Bosnia Politics: Bosnia and Herzegovina held general elections on Oct. 4, with nationalist forces consolidating power despite biometric voting and other safeguards—Milorad Dodik’s SNSD won in Republika Srpska, while analysts warn the EU path remains blocked by entrenched divisions. Croatia-EU & Region: Croatia says it wants more than $2.7bn in military property back from Montenegro, including the training ship Jadran, citing documents showing assets shifted after the 1990s wars. Croatia Football: Croatia Airlines extended its deal as official airline of the Croatian national team for two more years. Nations League Build-up: Spain visit Croatia in Split for the UEFA Nations League clash, with Dani Olmo returning to the country that shaped him. Bosnia Election Law: Bosnia’s election watchdog fined parties over premature campaigning and abuse of children, including major penalties for SNSD and PSS. Mobility & Energy: Croatia proposes tighter rules for electric scooters (registration, insurance, inspections) and offers citizens up to €9,000 toward new electric vehicles. Tourism & Culture: Dubrovnik and Rovinj both placed in Condé Nast Traveler’s Europe top 20 for 2026; Zagreb Film Festival unveils an international star lineup for Nov. 9–15.

Bosnia Election Fallout: Nationalist parties strengthened their grip in Bosnia’s Oct. 4 vote, with analysts warning voters are getting pulled deeper into ethno-national politics as turnout stays low and pro-Russia influence remains strong. Croatia Football: Luka Modrić said Croatia needs a better response after the 7-0 Nations League rout by England, as the team hosts Spain in Split seeking qualification momentum. Stadium Legal Fight (Zagreb): Croatia’s Economy Ministry has appealed the decision on the new Maksimir Stadium and SRC Svetice competition, arguing the process may not have been applied equally to all bidders. Energy & Cities: Croatia is preparing four new deep geothermal wells for urban heating in Velika Gorica, Osijek, Vinkovci and Zaprešić, aiming to cut fossil-fuel dependence. Local Life in Zagreb: A fully electric tourist train has returned to Maksimir Park, reviving a decades-old tradition for families and children. Sport Abroad (Gulf Cup): Zlatko Dalić’s UAE face Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup final in Jeddah, with both sides chasing the title. Travel & Culture: A food guide highlights Split’s “gozba” culture of shared meals, while easyJet updated advice for delayed or cancelled flights amid strike disruption.

Bosnia Election Fallout: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Oct. 4 vote is reshaping the tripartite presidency along ethnic lines, with Denis Bećirović (SDP) leading the Bosniak race, Darijana Filipović (HDZ BiH) leading the Croat seat, and Željka Cvijanović (SNSD) set to retain the Serb seat—while turnout stayed low and analysts warn nationalist gains could deepen instability. Separatism and Foreign Ties: Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik, barred from office, credited Trump and Putin for SNSD’s win and again urged them to back Srpska independence, even floating a future EU application. Croatia Football Shock: Croatia absorbed a historic 0-7 Nations League defeat by England in Rijeka; Luka Modrić called it “catastrophic” and said he felt “ashamed,” while England’s Thomas Tuchel pointed to Alex Scott’s performance as a threat to Declan Rice’s midfield spot. Croatia Economy & Travel: Croatia Airlines added two Airbus A220-300 jets to its fleet, and Rijeka’s container terminal reached a four-million TEU milestone. Local Life: Croatia has an estimated 1.1 million dogs and cats, but animal welfare groups say enforcement and inspections still lag. Weather Watch: A Genovese cyclone is set to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and a sharp temperature drop from Wednesday.

Bosnia Election Shockwaves: Preliminary results from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s general election point to another win for ethnonationalist parties, with Denis Becirović (Bosniak seat), Zeljka Cvijanović (Serb seat) and HDZ BiH’s Darijana Filipović (Croat seat) leading their races, while turnout is reported at a record-low 41.5%. Croatia in the Spotlight: Luka Modrić said he felt “ashamed” after Croatia’s historic 7-0 Nations League loss to England in Rijeka, calling it a breakdown in effort and team spirit. Sports Injuries: UCLA’s Lena Bilić, from Zagreb, is ruled out for the 2026-27 season after an ACL tear. Regional Watch: AP reports Greece’s school closures on remote islands as a warning sign of wider population decline across Europe. Travel & Local Life: Croatia’s ZET is rolling out a new ticket system letting passengers pay with bank cards and phones.

Croatia-England Shock: Croatia suffered its heaviest-ever defeat, losing 0-7 to England in Rijeka as Jude Bellingham scored once and added three assists, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka also netting twice. Football Fallout: Luka Modrić and coach Slaven Bilić reacted with anger and shame after what Croatia’s press called a “debacle” and “catastrophic” night. Bosnia Election Watch: Polls opened in Bosnia and Herzegovina for general elections with 3.4 million voters choosing the tripartite presidency, parliament seats, and entity leadership, with new biometric voter ID and ballot scanning used for the first time. Croatian Daily Life: ZET plans contactless ticketing across Zagreb’s trams and buses in 2027, letting passengers tap bank cards, phones, or smartwatches. Energy Costs: A new electricity threshold for households (above 3,000 kWh over Oct–Mar) triggers a 35% higher charge on the excess. Tourism & Travel: Jet2 launches a direct Pula–Edinburgh flight from May 2027, boosting Istria’s UK links. Agriculture Alert: Authorities renewed warnings about flavescence dorée, urging vineyard owners to check, remove, and destroy infected vines.

Croatia-England Nations League Shock: England crushed Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring twice each, plus goals from Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and substitute Morgan Rogers; the result is Croatia’s worst-ever defeat and leaves Luka Modrić “ashamed” after a humiliating night. UEFA Sanction Fallout: The match was played under a UEFA spectator ban after prior Croatian fan misconduct, but thousands of schoolchildren were still allowed in, creating a surreal atmosphere while only a small number of England fans attended. Bosnia Election Watch: Bosnia votes Sunday in general elections that could shape its EU bid, with campaigns still driven by wartime ethnic divisions and stalled reforms; preliminary results are expected later after polls close. Croatian Environment Alert: A Copernicus Marine report flags concerning, potentially irreversible changes in Croatian waters, as Mediterranean warming and marine heatwaves intensify. Transport & Energy Updates: Croatia’s road toll system is set to move toward electronic charging without toll booths from March 2027, and Croatia’s LNG terminal could supply Germany within two years under a new energy plan.

UEFA Nations League: Harry Kane struck early and England ran riot in Rijeka as Croatia fell 0-5 in a Group A3 clash, with Bellingham adding a second and Kane completing his brace; the result leaves Croatia on three points after two matches, with Spain leading the group. Matchday restrictions: The stadium was effectively “behind closed doors” after UEFA sanctions for earlier Croatian fan misconduct, but thousands of schoolchildren were allowed in, while banned supporters still tried to watch from a nearby rooftop. Local impact: The game’s atmosphere was shaped by the crowd ban and limited attendance, with Croatia captained by Luka Modrić and Slaven Bilić back in the dugout. Environment: In Lika, residents fear years of illegal hazardous waste dumping near Gospić have caused lasting damage, as cleanup plans have yet to remove any waste. Transport & infrastructure: Croatia signed on to a proposed Adriatic–Ionian rail corridor linking Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. Energy: Croatia’s LNG terminal on Krk could supply Germany within two years, if pipeline links through Slovenia and Austria are developed.

Nations League Focus: England visit Croatia in Rijeka for a behind-closed-doors UEFA Nations League clash after UEFA punished Croatia for fan behaviour in 2025; the match is set to be played without supporters, with England aiming to build on recent form while Croatia’s new coach Slaven Bilić returns and Luka Modrić is left out of the latest lineup. Zadar Connectivity: Zadar is set for year-round air links with winter flights to Munich confirmed, and officials say talks are underway for further expansion toward Paris, London or Venice. Rail Ambition: Croatia is pushing a major Adriatic-Ionian railway corridor that could turn the country into a key transit hub linking Italy, Slovenia and Croatia with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. Health & Environment: Croatian participants in a PFAS “forever chemicals” blood study speak out, with one man from Gospić reporting the highest levels among those tested. Economy: PM Andrej Plenković says government measures kept September inflation at 4.7%, warning it would have been around 7% without action. Sports Beyond Football: Zagreb’s Radiochirurgia Zagreb prepares to install Siemens’ new Accela radiotherapy system, aiming to boost advanced cancer treatment capacity.

Political Scrutiny: Serbian cardiologist Ilija Srdanović is at the center of a new Informer claim after the outlet says he owns a house in Croatia, while cadastre records list other co-owners—Srdanović denies having property outside Serbia. Health & Procurement: Serbia’s Alta Group is set to supply ambulances to Croatia’s Ministry of Health under a 48-month framework deal, with costs and comparisons to other procurements raising questions. Regional Diplomacy: Croatia is demanding over €2.4bn from Montenegro for missing or transferred Yugoslavia-era military assets, with talks set for Oct. 9 and the dispute tied to Montenegro’s EU path. Economy: Croatia’s inflation hit 4.7% year-on-year in September, driven mainly by energy prices (+20.5%). Transport & City Life: Zagreb opened the rebuilt Sarajevska Road, a major southern entrance upgrade, with a new tram line planned next month. Business & Trade: ICTSI’s Adriatic Gate Container Terminal in Croatia reached 4 million TEUs after upgrades. Tech & Industry: Navantia signed MoUs with Croatian firms AITAC and Iskra Shipyard to explore cooperation under the Multi-Role Corvette programme. Culture & Daily Life: Taco Bell opened its first Croatia restaurant today at Zagreb’s Arena Centar.